"An on-site center enables researchers to
invest precious field time most efficiently, and
also favors productive interactions with park staff
who, in turn, will benefit directly from the new
discoveries."-- Dr. Julie Donnelly-Nolan,
geologist, co-author of "The geologic map of Lava
Beds National Monument," and "Geology of Lava-tube
Caves at Lava Beds National Monument."

Biology

"Lava Beds is one of California's few
remaining wild places still rich with
wildlife."-- Christopher Richard,
biologist, Oakland Museum of California, principal
investigator of a study of ferns at cave
entrances.

Archeology

"Lava Beds is a key site in western North
American prehistory, a place where evidence of
prehistoric occupation extends back 9,000 years.
Much remains to be learned about ancient Native
American people here. We found several
archeological sites that had never been
recorded."-- Dr. Jerald Jay Johnson, Chair,
Department of Anthropology, and Directory,
Institute of Archeology and Cultural studies,
California State University.

Bat
Specialist

"Lava Beds is a refuge for some of the most
significant bat colonies in the region. If we study
them we can learn how to protect them."-- Dr.
Elizabeth Pierson, biologist, principal
investigator for a study of the foraging habits of
Townsend's Big-Eared Bats at Lava Beds.

Supporters
Talk About the Lava
Beds

"The stark serenity of the lava beds
is a magnet that draws me back to this
unique landscape time and again. The more
I learn about this environment the more
respect I have for nature's infinite
variations. The potential of this research
center to expand our knowledge of the Lava
Beds is extremely exciting."--
Peri Frantz, software engineering manager,
cave photographer, and Cave Research
Foundation member.

"As a photographer Lava Beds
National Monument has always fascinated
me. The ever changing vistas above ground
and the colorful passages below ground
have strong esthetic appeal. The research
station will make a fine base for further
documentation and monitoring of the
resources in the monument."-- Bill
Frantz, computer engineer, CRF Principle
Investigator for the photomonitoring
program, cave photographer.

Comments on
the Research Center

"A research center will foster a much
improved understanding of the Lava Beds and will
ultimately enrich the experience of visitors."-- Dr. Y. Paul Puri, President of the Lava Beds
Natural History Association and retired directory
of the University of California Agricultural
Experiment Station at Tulelake.

"This center will attract university
professors, graduate students, and other
researchers who are often short on research funds
but long on ability, enthusiasm, and
dedication."-- Dr. Janet Sowers, research
and consulting geologist, Technical Director of the
Cave Research Foundation cave inventory project at
Lava Beds, and Chairman, Campaign
Committee.

"The Research Center will facilitate research
and conservation... by sharing space, time, and
ideas among researchers working within a common
facility and being exposed to ideas and information
outside their area of expertise."-- Willian
Devereaux, Oregon Army National Guard, Field
Director of the Cave Research Foundation cave
inventory project at Lava Beds.

"I have been a member of the Board of the
National History Association for the past 34 years.
Completion of a Research Center here at the Lava
Beds will bne one of the most significant benefits
for visitors that I have witnessed during my
tenure."-- James Aslett, Board Member of
the NHA.

"A research center located within Lava Beds
National Monument will fill a significant void in
the monument's ability to attract and support
legitimate researchers and educational
organizations."-- Craig Dorman,
Superintendent, Lava Beds National
Monument.